This sketch challenge really made me think and plan and redo during the creative process. I knew I was going to use plaid, meaning my colors would be Cherry Cobbler and Shaded Spruce. These colors really say Christmas, even for this non-traditional colors person. I needed some touches of texture for the top part of the card, and the Brick 3D embossing folder really worked. There’s just something about plaid and brick (fireplace) that reminds me of my childhood Christmases on Long Island.
Here’s my card:
PCC360
Here’s the sketch banner that inspired the card:
Can I just take a second for a little woo-hoo moment? I finally figured out how to add an image with it’s link without a major problem. First time since I’ve updated my wordpress. Just saying…..
What I Knew……
I knew I wanted to use the #Elfie stamp set. It is just too stinking cute! I knew I wanted to use the string of lights from Making Christmas Bright. Everything else took a while to come together, but I am pleased with the final result.
My Stamp-a-ratus really got a workout for this card. I used it for the string of lights and then the placement of the no peeking elf. While coloring my first attempt, I went out of the lines on the hat. Mind you, that was the last thing I was coloring. Therefore, I got up, walked away and came back to it later in the day.
On this version of the elf, I used the Dark Daffodil Delight blend and the light So Saffron blend.
After numerous trials and errors, I finally figured out I what to do for coloring skin tones. I started with a layer of Ivory and then color over it with the light Petal Pink blend. If the elf had cheeks, those would have been lightly colored with the dark Petal Pink blend.
All that pretty much covers what I knew at the beginning.
What I Didn’t Know…
Trial and error really was key for the remaining elements of this card. I now have no less than five different Christmas trees stamped and punched. I finally settled on this one, especially since I really nailed the Cherry Cobbler layer without using the Stamp-a-ratus.
You might be asking yourself where I got the gold tree stand. Easy peasy, really. I colored a small swatch of Whisper White with the gold Wink of Stella and then used the lightbulb punch to get just the little base.
I also didn’t know what other element I could do for the left side of the focal elf. I’m pretty stinking pleased with the Santa’s Workshop pole, which is also from #Elfie. Cute.
The final thing I didn’t know was what I was going to do for the two ribbon elements on the bottom of the square. Again, trial and error was key. I finally decided on the flax ribbon and theReal Red cotton ribbon.
Putting It Together
I popped the elf square up on a layer of dimensionals. Since I wanted the tree to overlap the square, I needed to use a double layer of dimensions on the left side of the tree. The right side of the tree is simply adhered using Tombow liquid adhesive.
I completely forgot about the little bit of bling on the top right corner of the elf square. After trying a few different bling elements, I decided to keep it simple with the rhinestones.
I finished by creating a coordinating envelope using the plaid on the flap. Done. Happy. Cute!
As always,
Thank you so very much for stopping by my blog today. I appreciate your the time you take to read, and comment, on my blog.
Have a Peachy Day!
Sue
Contemplating placing an order today? Of course you are, especially because the new Stamping Trimmer is now available! If you don’t already have a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I would be honored to work with you. Please contact me or visit my shop to order the supplies for this card.
If you are ordering $150 or more, please contact me first so you earn all the Stamping Rewards for your order.
If you are ordering less than $150, please use the host code, 49KJF94R, when prompted. I use the combined rewards for gifts for customers.
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Supplies Used
Making Christmas Bright stamp set, item # 148046
Perfectly Plaid stamp set and Pine Tree punch bundle, item # 151143
#Elfie stamp set, item # 150509
Wrapped in Plaid DSP, item # 149596
Christmas Bulb Builder punch, item # 148013
Brick and Mortar 3D embossing folder, item # 149643
Two-fer: Global Design Project Color Challenge and Paper Players Sketch Challeng
I love playing along with challenges, and really love when I can combine two challenges. This week’s #GDP213’s color challenge calls for Lovely Lipstick, Old Olive, and Smoky Slate. The Paper Players sketch challenge seemed to be designed just for these colors.
My upline and member of the GDP design team, Brian King, created this holiday card using the color challenge. It’s so perfect, and used his card as an inspiration for my holiday card with these three colors.
Here are the challenge banners:
Here’s my two-fer challenge holiday card:
I’m not quite sure why the bottom mercury glass appears lighter than the top. I tried photographing it from multiple angles and OttLite positions and it kept coming out that way.
Mercury Glass Shines
I knew I wanted to use just Lovely Lipstick cardstock for the base of this card. While trying to figure out which embossing folder I should use, I remembered I had an unopened pack of mercury glass sheets. I enthusiastically pulled out the paper and cut a piece down to 4- 1/8 x 5-1/4. Next, I pulled out and cut an identically sized piece of Lovely Lipstick cardstock, paired them up and was immediately thrilled with the results. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I remembered hearing that the mercury glass has a clear film on the front which needed to be removed for use. Thankfully, I did that before gluing all the components down.
In order to incorporate the Smoky Slate, I tried using a piece of that cardstock for the base. It didn’t work at all because Smoky Slate is basically the same as the mercury glass. I decided the Smoky Slate banner for the sentiment would be enough of the color. Since I used a piece of scrap already embossed with the Subtle 3D folder, I needed to use the Stamparatus for the sentiment. The Stamparatus allowed me to stamp the sentiment over and over until I felt satisfied without having to worry about perfectly lining up the stamp each time.
Here’s a picture showing the similarity between the mercury glass and Smoky Slate:
The Perfectly Plaid Bundle
This photopolymer stamp set and coordinating punch provided all the elements for this card. I used the In Color DSP for the strip behind the sentiment. The punch easily cropped Old Olive DSP and cardstock to create the trees. I simply stamped the focal tree in the front with Lovely Lipstick needles (berries?? decorations??) on Old Olive cardstock and popped it up on dimensionals. In order to achieve some depth and separation between the trees, I used the brush side of the Old Olive marker to outline all three trees. I decided to use the dark Smoky Slate blend to color the stump of the trees.
Finishing Touches
I really struggled with the finishing touches. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to use ribbon, and if so, where would I put it. After trying a few different placements, I decided I didn’t need ribbon after all.
This is where the Wink of Stella came into play. I wanted to have something else, without adding bulk or clutter so the card could remain clean. I sed the Wink of Stella on dots, alternate stripes, and red needles on the trees. It adds just enough sparkle without adding clutter.
I used more Lovely Lipstick DSP for the envelope flap and also stamped an Old Olive tree with Lovely Lipstick needles on the front of the envelope. Another card set completed. All is well. Life is good.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today. A big thanks, in advance, for taking the time to leave a comment.
Have a Peachy Day!
Sue
If you don’t already have a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I would be honored to work with you. Please contact me or visit my shop to order the supplies for this card.
If you are ordering $150 or more, please contact me first so you earn all the Stamping Rewards for your order.
If you are ordering less than $150, please use the host code, 49KJF94R when prompted. I use the combined rewards for gifts for customers.
I am super excited about the October and November Paper Pumpkin coordinating kits! I recieved my October Paper Pumpkin card kit and it is fabulous!! The November kit will be the coordinating gift tags. So excited! In order to recieve the November kit, you will need to sign up by November 10th. Here’s the link for you to sign up for these kits as well: https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=2155072
About Me
Welcome to Just Peachy Stamping by Sue Jackson: an independent Stampin' Up demonstrator.
Through Stampin' Up!, I happily share my love of papercrafting through sales, classes, small stamping group meet-ups and workshops. I think that being a teacher in my "real life", I have a unique approach to sharing my fantastic hobby. I look forward to connecting with you!
